US House Speaker Johnson floats plan to avert shutdown
A temporary funding measure announced by US Republican Speaker Mike Johnson is unlikely to win support from Democrats or the White House.
economy, business and finance
Goalposts for full employment likely shifting: RBA
The rate of joblessness compatible with the Reserve Bank's inflation target is likely to settle somewhere lower than experienced over the past few decades.
Spending wanes as consumers wait for next big event
Major events have been keeping spending elevated, with consumption in retreat throughout a quieter month.
Record low vacancy rates hit would-be renters hard
It's never been more difficult to find a rental in Australia as a report confirms rental vacancy rates have hit record lows in some capital cities.
‘Dark cloud’ warnings over Queensland resources tax
The resources industry has pumped a record $116.8 billion into Queensland's economy but the state government has been warned it could lose investors.
Banks pass on rate hikes to thrifty home loan customers
Some mortgage holders are already trimming their spending and working extra hours, with the latest rise to put more pressure on households and the economy.
Hundreds of big firms paid no tax in 2021-22
Corporate tax payments broke a record in 2021-22 but the federal government is worried some large multinationals are still not paying their fair share.
NAB customers cut spending, interest rate peak in sight
National Australia Bank has been looking at how its business and personal customers are dealing with rising interest rates, and the news isn't too bad.
More pain for borrowers as big banks pass on rate hike
Three of Australia's biggest banks have hiked interest rates in response to the Reserve Bank's latest cash rate increase.
Cup day rate hike extends finishing line for borrowers
Mortgage-holders have been hit with another interest rate rise as the Reserve Bank intensifies its fight against inflation.
Will they, won’t they? All eyes on RBA Cup Day meeting
Stubbornly high inflation has raised the chances of a November interest rate increase by the central bank, putting more financial pressure on borrowers.
One in four tired, burnt out nurses planning to quit
A nursing shortage gripping the country will only worsen, with one in four in primary health care planning to leave within five years.
Photo finish looms for Melbourne Cup interest rate call
Australian borrowers could be hit with another interest rate hike at a closely run Melbourne Cup Day cash rate call.
RBA fires off Melbourne Cup day interest rate hike
Mortgage-holders have been hit with another interest rate rise as the Reserve Bank intensifies its fight against inflation.
Pact puts handbrake on ‘defining technology of our age’
A pact on artificial intelligence is intended to protect people from harm without stifling breakthroughs in vaccines, computing and defence.
FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried guilty of defrauding customers
After 15 days of testimony and just four hours of deliberation, a jury has found FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried guilty of defrauding customers.
Net zero policy to draw on national strengths: Chalmers
Critical minerals, battery manufacturing, renewable hydrogen and green metals have been flagged as net zero industry priorities by the federal treasurer.
IMF urges higher interest rates to control inflation
An independent assessment of Australia's economy says interest rates will need to lift higher and government effort will be required to bring inflation down.
BHP asserts green credentials despite backlash
BHP says its investment in critical minerals shows it is bringing about the clean energy transition but critics denounce the environmental impact of its mines.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
manufacturing and engineering
mining
politics
High-purity silicon from Townsville to power the world
Silicon for solar panels and batteries will be part of a green precinct for high-tech manufacturing to kickstart new supply chains and end China's dominance.
RBA warns of looming financial stability risks
Australia faces a number of emerging risks to financial stability that look quite different to those of recent decades, RBA assistant governor Brad Jones says.
Housing rebound eyes new mark but rates threat looms
National home prices are about to hit a fresh peak in October, though the pace of growth is starting to slow.
Retail sales dig in with hotter than expected growth
The new iPhone model, government policies and unseasonably warm weather have all helped prop up retail sales ahead of a much-anticipated cash rate decision.
Boozers reach for cheap hooch as sales lag at Endeavour
Liquor retailer Endeavour Group says shoppers are switching to cheaper products at Dan Murphy's and BWS as the company struggles to keep up with competitors.
Bank lending not helping Australia’s ailing environment
Australian Conservation Foundation research has questioned the lending practices of Australian banks and their impact on nature.
Strong competition as Vic economy ranked nation’s best
Economic activity, retail spending and business investment has catapulted Victoria to best performing economy in the nation but it faces stiff competition.
Auction jump ahead of expected Cup day rate hike
An expected rate hike on Melbourne Cup Day has impacted the number of homes going under the hammer, with clearance rates tipped to jump.
Wine and spirit bottle refunds offered in Aussie first
Queenslanders will now be paid 10 cents for empty wine and pure spirit glass containers at the state's recycling stations, as the scheme expands.
Fresh insights into retail sector, housing market
Consumers have been reining in their spending in response to high interest rates and new data may signal a continuation of this trend.
Coal fires up Queensland’s budget surplus
Net debt has shrunk and the budget surplus has boomed, a report into the Queensland government's finances has revealed.
Casual worker changes threaten jobs: Wesfarmers chair
Corporate heavyweight Michael Chaney says proposed changes to Australia's labour laws would add complexity and cost.